Oman has made premarital medical screening compulsory for couples intending to get married, as part of a new public health initiative.
The decision, announced by the Oman Ministry of Health, aims to identify hereditary blood disorders and infectious diseases at an early stage, while also providing medical counselling to couples before marriage.
According to health officials, the policy is designed to curb the spread of genetic and communicable diseases and reduce the risk of preventable health conditions in future generations. The ministry noted that early screening and awareness can help couples make informed decisions about family planning.
Authorities also said the initiative is expected to ease long-term social, psychological, and financial burdens on families by promoting healthier marriages and reducing avoidable medical complications.
In a public advisory, the ministry urged citizens planning to marry to complete the required medical tests. The regulation also applies to foreign nationals intending to marry Omani citizens.
Couples may undergo the screening at government health facilities or at private medical centres licensed by the Ministry of Health.
The ministry clarified that marriage contracts will not be finalised unless both individuals have completed the mandatory premarital medical screening, making compliance a legal requirement under the new policy.
